Ants in Florida: A Complete Guide

Florida is home to a wide variety of ant species While most ants play beneficial roles in the environment, some can become pests in homes and gardens In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ants in Florida.

Common Ant Species in Florida

There are over 300 species of ants in Florida but only a fraction are commonly encountered. Here are some of the most notable

• Carpenter Ants: Large black ants that nest in wood and can cause structural damage. Common species include the Florida carpenter ant, chestnut carpenter ant, and compact carpenter ant.

• Fire Ants: Aggressive biting and stinging ants. The red imported fire ant is the most problematic species.

• Crazy Ants: Fast-moving ants that get their name from their erratic movements. Longhorn crazy ants and Caribbean crazy ants are invasive species establishing in Florida.

• Harvester Ants: Outdoors ants that collect and store seeds. The Florida harvester ant is a native species.

• Pyramid Ants: Build small mound nests resembling pyramids. Buren’s pyramid ant is common.

• Big-Headed Ants: Recognizable by their large heads. Invasive big-headed ants like the Argentine ant and African big-headed ant can displace native ants.

• Acrobat Ants: Arboreal ants that nest in trees. Include the Florida acrobat ant.

• Ghost Ants: Tiny pale ants that can become indoor pests.

• Odorous House Ants: Gets their name from the rotten coconut odor they emit when crushed. Don’t sting or bite.

When Are Ants Most Active in Florida?

Ant activity peaks in Florida during the spring and summer months between April and September. Warm weather coinciding with rainfall brings ants out in full force. Some species like ghost ants remain active year-round in Florida’s mild climate.

Carpenter ants, crazy ants, fire ants, and pyramid ants are most noticeable in spring. Sugar-loving ants like odorous house ants and ghost ants peak in summertime. Harvester ants are busy foraging in late summer and fall.

Where Do Ants Nest in Florida?

Florida’s ant species utilize diverse nesting strategies tailored to their needs:

• In the ground: Fire ants, harvester ants, and pyramid ants build underground nests and mounds.

• In wood: Carpenter ants burrow into logs, tree stumps, wooden structures.

• Under objects: Odorous house ants and ghost ants nest under rocks, mulch, and debris.

• Indoors: Some ants like ghost ants and crazy ants nest inside homes in wall voids, attics, etc.

• In trees: Acrobat ants and twig ants build arboreal nests in trees and bushes.

Ant nest location plays a role in whether they pose a problem. Species nesting outdoors rarely bother homeowners unless their mounds are unwelcome. Indoor-nesting ants have greater potential to become pests.

Do Ants Bite and Sting in Florida?

Some Florida ants can inflict painful stings and bites in defense:

• Fire ants – Can both bite and sting. Stings cause a burning sensation and raised welt.

• Crazy ants – Have formic acid-laced sting that can blister skin.

• Carpenter ants – Large workers can give a powerful and potential painful bite though not venomous.

• Harvester ants – Inflict a mildly painful sting.

Ants like ghost ants, pyramid ants, and odorous house ants do not sting or bite. While all ants can become aggressive when threatened, only a handful of species in Florida pose a stinging/biting hazard to people.

How to Get Rid of Ants in Florida

Eliminating ants on your property involves 3 key steps:

1. Inspection – Locate and identify nests on your property, both indoors and outdoors. Understanding ant behavior will help pinpoint nest sites.

2. Sanitation – Eliminate food sources like pet food, spills, unsealed garbage, etc. that allow ants to thrive. Keeping a clean home is ant control 101.

3. Treatment – For active nests, use baits, dusts, spray or granules labeled for the target ant species. Non-chemical options include diatomaceous earth and borax powder. Treat annually to prevent new colonies.

Correct identification of the ant species allows for tailored control methods. For example, outdoor mound treatments work well for fire ants while indoor gel baits are better for odorous house ants. Combining good sanitation and targeted treatments will provide the best control of ants on your Florida property.

Fun Facts About Florida Ants

• Florida harvester ants store thousands of seeds in their underground nests. A large colony may collect over 12 pounds of seeds in a single season!

• Ghost ants get their name from their ability to quickly disappear from view. Their pale coloring and swift speed makes them seem to vanish into thin air.

• Red imported fire ants float together during floods to form massive rafts. Worker ants link legs and trap air bubbles to create floating ant masses.

• Crazy ants get the “crazy” name from their frenzied and chaotic movements compared to the orderly walking of most ants. They dart about sporadically when foraging.

• Carpenter ants chew wood to expand their nests, not to eat it. They consume liquids from the wood, not the wood itself.

Ants in Florida lead fascinating lives! Learning about their diverse behaviors and strategies for survival makes them more fun to observe.

This covers the essential information homeowners should know about ants in Florida. Being able to identify species, understanding activity patterns, and using integrated pest management practices will help manage ants on your property. With over 300 species calling Florida home, ants will certainly keep you on your toes!